Nero tazza

The Nero dish contains the only overtly negative moments depicted on the tazze, showing Nero singing despite an earthquake and a fire. It is possible, however, that his behavior during these catastrophes was understood by the tazze’s creators as evidence of one of Nero’s few virtues—his devotion to the arts. This positive interpretation is reflected in some sixteenth-century translations of Suetonius, where one of Nero’s statements was taken out of context and presented as the emperor’s motto: “Every land nurtures art.”

Scene one
1
Tiridates, king of Armenia, visits Nero in Rome (A.D. 66). After climbing up to the high platform on which the emperor is seated, Tiridates kneels before him

2
Nero, sitting in his official chair, greets Tiridates and replaces his visitor’s turban with a diadem

Scene two
1
Nero makes his debut performance in Naples (A.D. 64). Though the theater is suddenly struck by an earthquake, he does not stop singing his tune

Scene three
1
Romans run to shelter during the Great Fire of Rome (A.D. 64)

2
Nero, watching from a tower, rejoices in the spectacle of the fire and sings “The Fall of Troy” in his stage costume

Scene four
1
Nero returns from the athletic games in Greece. He wears a cloak decorated with stars and a crown of victory on his head, and carries a second crown in his right hand

2
Animals are sacrificed in celebration of his success

3
Jubilant spectators shower this triumph-like procession with birds and flowers